Working and Nursing school?

[KaraBear1121]

Hey everyone!

I start the nursing program next month and so far my husband and luck have been good so I haven't had to work through my pre-req's but I have to start working part-time in January.. I was thinking of challenging FL's CNA exam after this first semester and go to work at my local hospital (they told me that for their PCT slots, they only hire nursing students and after I take the exam, I'll be a PCT 1 and after my second semester I'll be a PCT 2)

My question is, how hard is it working and going to school? I'm also married, have a two year old and have custody of my 11-yr-old sister..

Thanks!

[Sunshine Sweetheart]

I think that it depends on the student. Last semester, which was my first semester of nursing, I had 17 credit hours and I worked 24-32 hours a week. I am also engaged and have a 4 year old. It was rough but I got through it. Any free time that I had went to my immediate family and I had no time for friends. Another guy in my class worked 40 hours a week and he also made it. I work as a PCT in a local hospital and I think that it helped me with school as the nurses were always there to help. I would bring my books to study on my breaks and any downtime that I had. In my program we lost 20 people the first semester and most of them did not have jobs or children so I think that the assumption if you work you will fail is wrong. You can work, have a family and pass nursing school but it will not be a cakewalk!

[NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN]

I work 32hr/week and I have a husband and a 3 yr old daughter. I can tell you that I felt guilty so many times because I had to study instead of spending time with my family. Before any exam I work only 24 hours a week. But you do what you have to do to get through nursing school. It will be worth it.